Methods and compositions of treating autoimmune diseases

Abstract

Embodiments of various aspects described herein are directed to methods and compositions for producing a tolerogenic or immunosuppressive dendritic cell. In particular, an immunosuppressive dendritic cell can be produced by contacting a dendritic cell with an agent that stimulates the IL-27/ectonucleotidase CD39 axis signaling. In some embodiments, the methods and/or compositions described herein can be used for treating an autoimmune disease or disorder, e.g., but not limited to multiple sclerosis (MS) and type 1 diabetes.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of treating an autoimmune disease or disorder comprising administering to a patient in need thereof a dendritic cell (DC)-targeting composition comprising a nanoparticle containing:
 (a) an agent that stimulates IL-27/ectonucleotidase CD39 axis signaling; and   (b) an autoimmune antigen,   
       thereby treating the autoimmune disease or disorder in the patient in need thereof. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the agent comprises an IL-27 agonist, a CD39 agonist, and/or an ATP degrading agonist. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the nanoparticle is a liposome. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the autoimmune disease or disorder is multiple sclerosis, encephalomyelitis, or type I diabetes.